Vietnam and China Pledge Enhanced Cooperation and Strategic Connectivity
Dalian, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính of Vietnam and Chinese Premier Li Qiang have committed to further bilateral cooperation aimed at enhancing customs clearance efficiency, upgrading border gate infrastructure, and exploring the implementation of smart border gates. The discussions took place during their talks in Dalian City, Liaoning Province, on Monday.
The leaders shared updates on their respective Parties and countries, reflecting on the significant achievements and high-level agreements resulting from the historic visits by General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng in 2022 and General Secretary and President Xi Jinping of China in 2023.
Reviewing bilateral cooperation, both leaders acknowledged the notable developments and increased political trust between the two nations. They highlighted the establishment of new cooperation mechanisms across critical sectors and emphasized the strengthened strategic connections, particularly in transportation.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress in trade cooperation, the leaders noted the substantial growth of Chinese investment in Vietnam, the resurgence of tourism, and the robust local-to-local cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
Prime Minister Chính affirmed that enhancing relations with China is a strategic priority for Vietnam, underscoring its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and diversification. Premier Li Qiang reiterated that China views Vietnam as a priority in its comprehensive foreign policy towards neighbors, supporting Vietnam’s modernization and industrialization efforts.
Both sides committed to effectively implementing the Vietnam-China Joint Declaration on deepening their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. They agreed to bolster cooperation in key areas such as diplomacy, national defense, and security, and to ensure peace and stability along their shared border.
The leaders also agreed to manage disagreements and maintain stability at sea, while strengthening coordination in international and regional forums.
Prime Minister Chính proposed accelerating transport infrastructure connections, particularly standard gauge railways, and urged for swift market access for Vietnamese frozen durian and fresh coconut. He also requested that China open its markets to other Vietnamese agricultural products, including citrus fruits, avocados, and passion fruit.
Additionally, he suggested deepening cooperation in finance, banking, science, technology, education, culture, tourism, digital transformation, and hi-tech agriculture.
Premier Li Qiang expressed readiness to enhance the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, promising greater market access for Vietnamese goods, including agricultural products. He emphasized China’s willingness to resolve institutional and policy barriers to promote sustainable trade relations.
The Chinese Premier proposed strengthening strategic connections in infrastructure, economy, trade, and investment, focusing on production, agriculture, supply chains, and vocational training.
The leaders also discussed maritime issues, agreeing on the importance of managing disagreements and maintaining peace in the South China Sea. Prime Minister Chính emphasized adherence to international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and called for effective maritime negotiation mechanisms and situational control.
Prime Minister Chính affirmed Vietnam’s support for China’s increasing role in regional and global affairs and suggested enhanced coordination within international frameworks such as the WTO, APEC, ASEM, and ASEAN.
